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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.